For those who organised the festival, all I can say is thank you!
Especially
Arne, Anders, Rune and Stefan. Of course there were many more involved including Karl
Erik J:r, but sadly the names of most you meet elude you in the excitement. Then
in the aftermath of getting back to reality you only wish you'd gone around with
a notebook in your hand all the time!

Two weeks down the road I also wish I'd had time to do this page sooner, but
so much stuff was put aside with another festival in the UK a few days before we went
to Sweden that things
had really piled up by the time we came back!

I say 'we' because yes, Chris came too, our third time in Sweden in just
under
12 months. There was still a great sense of anticipation as we took the car, the plane
two trains and a bus to get us to Älvdalen.

Maybe a car is easier once you
arrive in Sweden, but it's a
long drive too, so why not take it easy as the public transport is very prompt and reliable
although the last section - the modern bus - did have a few worrying squeaks
every time it pulled away!

In fact the bus was the only minor potential problem for us
as I didn't have the small enough change for the fare! I only had a 500SKR on me
fresh from the airport ATM, and the bus could only change a 100SKR. So I had to
make a public appeal to the rest of the passengers to change the note.

Starting out at 2am from our UK home, we arrived at about 4pm at the
Hotel Älvdalen having had many short naps along the way. So we were relatively
fresh for whatever the evening had in store.

Anticipation of meeting friends again, enjoying the sunshine and wonderful
views of the country as a whole; and for Chris the anticipation of being able to
play something this time at the event.

In fact there had been a kind of plan
(maybe that sounds like we were organised)... let's say a rumour that perpetuated
around emails that us UK and US contingent were going to 'dust off' and do a
small performance for fun. Believe me there was as much dust on us as any other
'old collectable' at the event! But more on that later.

People
were arriving throughout the week, so by Friday afternoon most of the groups
were in town. Here we see Karl Erik S:r's sister, posing in front of a Cadillac
with owner Arne Johansson.

We arrived late Friday afternoon to another rumour. There was a drinks and nibbles
invite up at the house, so before we had a chance to settle our bags, we were off
to meet Karl Erik, his wife Maria, and many friends and family.

Some guests had never
been to the house before, and were "dressed to the nines" in readiness. We were
still in our very
casual travel clothes, but it didn't matter. Champagne, Wine and Beer and Cider
were the order of the day, with plenty of chat to soak up the atmosphere.

An awning covered a row of tables and chairs where much chat
and banter ensued. Karl Erik in usual form switched mid conversation to ask a
guest a little test question: "What is one half and one third" and before you
can think five sixths, he's waved his hand as much to say "your mind is not as
quick as you think..." with a broad smile of course. There was lots of history
in
discussion of course and the mix of information, books and memories even included
asking Manfred to translate some 'Old German' which, (as it transpired) was maybe a
bit too old for even his fluent translation. As such it was a mixture of
nations enjoying the generous hospitality a way into the early evening.

I also had
the great pleasure of meeting someone who worked for Hagström in the UK many decades
before making the finest and most advanced accordions in the world, which is a part of the story I hope to develop further soon.

The Opening Ceremony
The official opening took place on Saturday at noon, with the traditional annual
presentations away from the exhibition hall, up near the statue of Albin.

People gathered in the area below the statue along with musicians, the media and TV cameras to capture the
ceremony. A full array of Strings, accordions, guitar and other instruments
provided the potential for a full concert if that was needed.

The arrival of Karl Erik senior and his wife being chauffeured in a
50's Cadillac set the scene perfectly, a nice touch of detail including the
Elvis number plate, all courtesy of Arne!

Speeches and presentations were interspersed with great music and a happy
atmosphere, not least the fact that Karl-Erik was able to be there, people were
glad to see him joining the throng if even from a short distance initially.

Pictured right we see
Stefan with "the most famous musician in Europe" as he was introduced to me many
times, along with the explanation of another historical anecdote that led to this title.... darn where was my notebook... help me out here guys...
Thanks to Rune Martinsson for reminding me his name - Lasse Lönndahl... and now
the last page of this report has a great picture now of some of these guys as
they were back in the 60's. Well, not Stefan of course!

This icon of a man went on to sing along with the assembled band a rendition of
"Tulips from Amsterdam", in Swedish of course, which was a treat for the crowd
that joined in the chorus, as much as it was for us
'interlopers' from overseas. Rune Westlin was the featured guitar player, and
we'll see more of him later too.

At this point I should add that when you come to parts of Sweden you must
understand the nation's ways. To many, these friendly people will seem very
distant to begin with. I would go further to say it is a shyness - maybe much
needed in other parts of the world these days! Always remember these people do
not 'blow their own trumpet' as we say (or often do) in the UK and USA.

It has taken me some time to put this into perspective, but when you realise many
people still question why anyone should still be interested in their history,
only then do you
begin to understand what the people are all about.

For this reason I feel very privileged to consider many people at the heart of
these event as friends now.

Nevertheless, I was glad that there were other media cameras and photographers in
attendance - to
make my 'darting around' with cameras and the like seem a little less intrusive. For me (as those who know me) "the Hagström thing" is as much the story and the
people, and the atmosphere as it is the fine music equipment and instruments that so many still enjoy.

The Festival ItselfThe festival event was based at the ice hockey stadium (fortunately the only
ice around was for putting in the drinks), and the venue provided ample space for
a dual use - one side a large stage and gig area, the other the formal
displays and collections of the Hagström Guitar and Accordion era. The other key
ingredient being a large bar that separated the two. Outside there was a
funfair, and two large covered barbeque and food hall marquees. Everything was
in place for a great weekend.

Our friend Stefan was busy with organising too, his band
Larz Kristerz were
demonstrating the equipment on the exhibition stages showing Hagström through
the decades, that equipment that outlives all expectations! As a
consequence we didn't have the opportunity to stop and chat anything like we
have on previous occasions. Anders Barke too, was in and out of sight much more
than allowed us the chance to talk. But then I'm always taken over by these
events, and do not realise the missing moments until it is all over and we're on
our way home again.

However
Anders
Karlsson and his lovely wife Kicki were also there having driven about 6 hrs up
from the south, and in true form, they had considered much more than their own
needs. They brought a superb black HIIN-OT with them for Chris to use in the
hotel room, (and elsewhere). They also decided to 'give him a break' from the Hagström
mania, to go and see the local sights including a superb waterfall
nearby. So in some ways Chris got more variety out of the weekend than I did, but then
that's the way it should be. So, many thanks to Anders and Kicki for their
thoughtfulness as always!

After the opening ceremony people made their way down to the exhibition. The
Cadillac was again put to good use, taking guests of honour down to the hall.
Everything was ready, and soon they'd start the demonstrations, chat to visitors and at
last, make all the work that had been put into organising the main event, come to
life.

The weather outside was kind, and although not up to the scorching temperatures we'd
experienced last year, it was probably about right for most people. It was a
fair walk from hotel to exhibition hall, and we took the route two or three
times a day. Once outside you are treated to displays of old American cars, most
in wonderful condition. If people can't afford a real oldie, they usually had
some kind of convertible instead and always a good crowd of passengers.

My son was most intrigued by this as his other passion is
cars, cars, cars. He's the kind of kid that says "wow" to every tyre-mark on the
road, imagining the event that left such evidence. Clearly there is a certain
amount of acceptance of this sort of display driving, and I was told there is a
fairly low key police presence in the area... the nearest officer living about
200km away from Älvdalen! So it seems the community looks after itself well, for
although plenty of car parading took place in the evenings, and inside the event
those that wanted to consume alcoholic beverages, did so with reasonable
fervour, but never did I see any disturbance.

One more car-based anecdote needs a mention now. Soon after
we arrived we were approached by Karl Erik's wife Maria, who informed us that
when we visited last October we had left a toy car behind. We were invited to
return to the house the following day to collect it. Now, given the amount of
visitors this amiable couple receive over the weeks and months, I was amazed
that the car had even been remembered. But that's just another example of the
niceties and hospitality we have experienced while in the company of the good
people of Sweden.

Ok, so lets go inside the event and see what was on offer shall we? Well the
first thing I have to say is that the collections were spectacular. Ulf, Arne,
Manfred, and many many more had their special collections on display. There were
also many examples of equipment and drawings from the old factories. Many I'd
not seen in my previous visits to Sweden.

The display stands also included live demo's of Amtech's
Echo Pro guitar echo system designed by Peo Ollson, being played
through Strats and Burns Reissue guitars to demonstrate the Shadows sound and
other special effects. Another great attraction was a very special new amp from Älvdalen
that really drew some attention. Developed on the origins of some original
Hagström ideas this new stack system had all the Class-A attributes to attract
more than a passing glance. Still in final prototype stages I really look
forward to hearing and seeing the final - state of the art - Älvdalen hand wired
professional amp.
The company
Digistream developed it along with Trond, and have
even used some original Hagström equipment for the facia manufacturing. If you
take a look at the video you'll see another glimpse of this future winner.

Also in the video you'll get an in depth view of the special BT100 amp head,
developed for use on the ABBA tour 1974. The amp is a one off development of the
standard Hagström BT100, modified by the renowned Hagström technical wizard, Peo
Ollson, now owned by Lennie Johnsson.

Click the picture of Lennie to see the video open in your player. It is a bit
loud in places, and being 150kb broadband video, is not as clear as the true
sound, but it demonstrates the principles quite well still. Chris was already
playing around with the Swede through it when Lennie offered to do a live demo
for the camera...

There was definitely a big commitment made by the exhibitors
for the event. The examples on display covered many more items of special
interest than simply the guitars and accordions. You'll hear later about an
'other brand' guitar that could have eclipsed (in market value) many other items
on display, yet sat in a quiet corner for most of the weekend!

After the events of the day, we were invited to a special
Saturday night dinner hosted by Karl Erik S:r, and the family. Sited in a
Marquee adjacent to the main hall, we were treated to kebabs, salad and (yes,
that bottle), some Swedish lager beer in a limited edition decoration
of a
Hagstrom
Label.

The label had been especially printed for the occasion, and
presumably a very limited run! So why do I have a picture of an unopened bottle
here?

Well, don't tell anyone, but Chris doesn't drink much yet (as
far as I know) and
he passed his over to me to keep.

So I was in a good position to "have my beer and drink it" to
borrow the saying.

I had noticed there was a fair amount of discussion about returnable
bottles going on around the marquee as many people wanted to keep the empties as
a keepsake.

A few of us
realised it should be less of an issue than it appeared to be - especially given the
unique occasion.

Maybe one day we'll return it for a refill... Mind you, like
I say don't tell anyone eh.... Thanks!

Meantime we found ourselves torn between invitations. Friday
evening we'd spent some enjoyable time in Arne's hotel room with the delicacies
of dried reindeer and a comprehensive range of drinks. We were aiming to repeat
the occasion in some form, but hadn't yet left the marquee having found
ourselves deep in conversation with people at the meal.

As people moved on, we anticipated a pleasant walk up the
road to the hotel and some relaxation in the lounge maybe, and an early night
for Chris. No such plan came to fruition, in fact the evening was only really
starting to pan out...

Soon
the remaining party were back in the exhibition hall for an evening of chat.
Karl Erik S:r clearly on good form was also there directing the impromptu event
from his position at one of the tables, even dialling the Hotel and passing the
phone to me to ask the others back to the hall.

I was pleased to find he was feeling up to this event, as
many had feared he may not be able to join in due to frail health these days.

No such frailty of mind of course, and I strongly believe
Maria is probably the only one that can still 'keep him in check'!

(It was no surprise how quickly the hotel answered the
phone), but nevertheless, the other half of the group were clearly out of reach
by now.

With both Karl Eriks in attendance, many other people to chat
to, and plenty of refreshment from the bar, there was a lot of discussion on the
day, and we were likely to be here for some time...

The exhibition stages were all dark by now, and in a few
hours the late night concerts were due to start, but maybe it was a good
opportunity to make a private demo for the special guests.

Once again Lennie came to the rescue, this time with his
wonderful Patch 2000 demonstration. Using a Swede Patch Bass that had been
restored to working order from some schematics I received from Kwinn Kastrosky
and other people, which I'd emailed to Manfred Graeder last year and by good
coincidence were available on his PC to pass to Lennie at the Östersund show
last September. (OK time to take a breath). You can view
this video too by clicking on the picture above right.

So, the demo was about to begin, when under the direction of
Karl Erik, 'Buddy Rich' was called to join Lennie on the stage!

This was a
generous description for Chris's enjoyment of playing drums, and he took about 1
second to decide to take up the offer! Apart from this video demonstrating
the Swede Bass Patch, you can view portions of some original 1977 footage of the
Swede Patch Guitar, that we obtained during our previous visit to Sweden in
October 2005.

By
the time Chris was ready to sleep it looked late at night inside the exhibition
hall of course - as you see above. Yet once you step outside you are reminded
why people stay up so late. Why the main concert doesn't even start until about
midnight, and why the old American cars get paraded so regularly.

Sweden at this
time of year is coming into the period where the sun never quite sets.

You'd step outside expecting streetlights to be your only
safety like back home, and find a never ending sunset which is promptly followed
by sunrise again at around 3am!

Needless to say despite the lack of night, any redness in the
sky was echoed by the redness in your eyes unless you did decide to go back to
the room, and get some sleep. Tomorrow is another day, and it doesn't seem like
we've just been in Sweden for one day so far! So, a late night burger from the
barbeque, and off we go back to the room. Funny how kids always wake up and
still want to find a channel showing 'The Simpsons' even in the middle of the
night... In the end it was me who went to sleep first, but I suspect the
duration of viewing, following our discussion about "I'm not tired" didn't last
all that long.

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There's
nothing like a REAL original Swedish made Hagstrom (and there are loads
around), but if it 'floats your boat', or you can't find an original
then who are we to say?

Plenty has been said already and
will be said forever forward probably.
Only you know what's right for you!